Bacon

Hickory Smoked Bacon
Originally uploaded by moknits.

On Saturday Certain Someones and my friend 'The Rock' volunteered to be with me for a scheduled cable upgrade installation. The guys are looking out for us due to the murder of a friend of ours by a cable installer.One can never be to careful. I've had quite a lot of service visits lately due to Certain Someone and house hold issues( roof repair, telephones. cable, etc. ) In fact Certain Someone is beginning to wonder what is going on while he's been away with all these "visits" and neighbors/ friends volunteering to chaperon. So 'The Rock' came over promptly at 8AM. The installer was scheduled to come from 8-12. I made him a big omelet with peppers, mushrooms,cheese, and onions along with brewed Starbucks coffee. Certain Someones flight was due to arrive at 5 pm. The cable guy came at 1:30 and the visit lasted approx 4 hrs. Poor Rock! We ended up talking and finishing off a entire package of bacon throughout the day. Just lazy slugs eating plates of bacon. In between I offered the slow but very nice cable man a choice of beverage . He was very specific that he wanted Black Tea with honey! Not green or white, no sugar, but honey. In fact he had quite a few cups of it. The Rock and I speculated that perhaps that's why he was was late. Drinking tea at others house. Actually the installation was very complicated. Certain Someone wanted HDTV ( which I don't understand all the hype about, but he assures me I will after we get a new large plasma). We had been tracking Certain Someones flight progress and he was due to arrive a hour early. I rushed to take a shower and get ready. By the time my baby landed we were still not finished! One mishap after another. Nevertheless it took him a hour to clear customs and he only waited for me 15 minutes. I had my chauffeur hat on and a sign with his name and the German salutation HERR. It was so good to see him. When we arrived home, my clean house has turned into a bacon smelling mess. His senses were assaulted with the greasy smell! He couldn't fathom us sitting around for about seven hours eating bacon all day. Well that's our story and we are sticking with it!

Bring on the Fondue...

Cheese Fondue
Originally uploaded by katielips.

When I was a little girl of the seventies, I remember my stylish hostess of a mother giving fondue parties. How I loved cooking my meat in hot sizzling oil and dipping my bread in gooey cheese!. I purchased a fondue set a few years back,but only used it once. I was entertaining my wine club. This New Years Eve I dusting it off along with' The Rocks' Raclette set. It will be a laid back evening at another friends house with meat fondue and cheesy raclette. We'll play Billiards, darts, and other games, and drink/ eat till our hearts content. I'm really looking forward to it. We are all really into the preparations. Should be fun and elegant at the same time.
My Certain Someone returns this Saturday and I can't wait to jump in his arms. Unfortunately he just informed me he's flying back out the following Monday. But he promises to be here for New Years and my surgery the following week. I guess I must get used to it. Today was my last day of work. I won't have to deal with any of that until early February.So I look forward to a day of leisure and preparing for my sweeties arrival. I'm so ready to start 2007!

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Red Christmas 2006 - 084F
Originally uploaded by krisdecurtis.

...and I sit all alone. This Christmas Eve I'm solo. Last year I kept my mind off my parents and things by attending a Christmas Eve party given by a group of my Jewish friends! And the year before that I remember my two good friends at the time (who were also
Jewish) made me get into the spirit and put and out up the tree prior to the holiday. So today after work at the restaurant , where I've worked four consecutive days on top of my day job, I went to the store and treated myself to King Crab legs. I know the Italians celebrate Christmas Eve eating all sorts of seafood. After a late lunch I took a long deserved nap. Tomorrow I will go to my Aunt R's with Auntie Mame. I will surely indulge . I need to eat up before the big operation, right? Any excuse.
This morning I nervously called Certain Someones parents home. We had practiced what I would say and he emailed me the little Christmas speech. I was expecting a parent to answer, but Certain Someone answered as if he was in the office, all business like. I told him to get off of the phone and let me speak to his parents. His mother came on. She said "Bitte" and had no idea it was me. I said my greeting and introduced myself. It was like a German Hallmark commercial. She got all emotional, and I had no idea what she said. Certain Someone said she was happy and touched. Then I got to speak to the father who was more reserved but just as warm. He spoke slowly and I repeatedly said "Danke" or OK. I still didn't understand, but caught the word 'gutt' . Certain Someone said the father wished me all the best and that the parents wished I was there. Hopefully one day soon! Their positive and warm reactions made my day.
To all my friends and loved ones near and far, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Hetic Holidays

aspirin
Originally uploaded by 100777.

Today I witnessed many ambulances and fire trucks all over the downtown area. Come to find out there was subway derailment near my office. Fortunately I believe no one was hurt. Along Mich Ave ,I guess the pace of shopping was taking its toll on some as I saw a few more. The loud playing of the Salvation Army trumpet and cymbals added to the commotion as I walked. Parking lots that run a exorbitant $23 were all filled up. Everyone was asking for some type of money to the truly homeless , professional beggars, the charitable groups, or the greedy sales clerks. I tried to get into the spirit and buy some cards, but nixed the idea. I have no energy for the effort. On the work front , everyone is taking turns dumping on me. I'm counting the days until next week. Tomorrow evening I have to help out with a special screening of Dream Girls. It promises to be a hot movie. I only wish I didn't have to endure the crowds. Ive been listening to the soundtrack on my IPOD. A new star is born in Jennifer Hudson.I love those type of rag to riches stories. A bright note was that I spoke to Certain Someone. It's good to hear his voice. He's in Sweden now and sent me a email rubbing it in that he was one of my favorite stores,NK. He better have bought me something. Already can't wait until New Years.

Home for the Holidays

christmas tree 2004
Originally uploaded by scottfeldstein.

Well as I write this I'm alone. Certain Someone flew off to Germany and Sweden this past week to visit his parents. I stayed home as I have no more time off from work. However my last day will be on December 28 and I will be off for approximately 4-6 weeks . I'm having elective surgery early January . I look forward to the 'recovery" time as I will focus on revising the resume and renew the job hunt. And just get some well needed rest. My email buddy Gabi has flown off to Australia and I already miss our daily communication.
So far the living arrangement with Certain Someone has gone well. We had a cozy week before his departure.The night before we exchanged gifts. I gave him a luxury watch and he was most generous with me ( a weekend in NYC , perfume,and other goodies). For a man that complains I'm spoiled ,he sure does add to the effort. I miss him but feel connected as he's only a Blackberry email away. He worries about me ,as I do him.
On the good news front our friends murderer was captured and arrested last week. It doesn't bring her back but it provides a tiny bit of closure and Christmas hope for her family and friends. Now we hope justice is done in the court systems.
I have no concrete plans for Christmas. I'll probably hang with the aunts . I have to motivate myself to put up the tree. Some years I'm so into it, and others I'm not. I've cleared a lot of space with the removal of old furniture,etc to make way for Certain Someone. In the meantime I have the beautiful holiday sights of the city of Chicago to gaze at. Soon it will be New Years and Certain Someone will be back home along with more of our friends. Until then I'm enjoying the solitude.

Photo Ready

cameras
Originally uploaded by uberculture.

Yesterday after German Class, I was scheduled to do some Makeup Artistry for my friend K's photo shoot , revolving around a recording artist friend of hers. I met them up at Hamburger Mary's in Andersonville. Kat had secured the campy upstairs . The Singer M was a very fascinating person to behold. A 'Survivor ' if you will. I love to hear those stories because it inspires me and I admire their optimistic attitude and determination. We had a easy rapport as I worked on her face. Kat staged 3 different looks and I updated the makeup as needed. Needless to say it was a rewarding afternoon and I felt good doing something I love.On the way home I went to the famous Swedish Bakery and picked up something for My sweet Certain Someone. When I arrived home he was ready to go out to Ikea to make our space more livable and manageable. We drove out to Boolingbrook. Now I've never had much luck with the store, but the Swede wanna be was a excellent guide. Come to find out he used to hang in the one in Stockholm on a regular basis. It seems the Swedes like to change up often.We got some great stuff and I loved watching his mind work up ideas on improving the condo. Alas the weekend was to short and by the time we got home and winded down , it was time for sleep. We haven't had much of a weekend due to schedules and work commitments. Then he's off to the Old Country for two weeks. I'll miss him, but look forward to ringing in the New Year with him by my side.

At The End Of A Long Weekend

PC0200201-Getting ready for a soothing bath in our Jacuzzi
Originally uploaded by gailf548.

Certain Someone moved in this weekend with the help of some friends of ours. I was in class Saturday and missed the first part.When I came home all his stuff was placed in his room. We spent the evening assembling and arranging as best we could. I still have a lot of stuff I need to donate or have removed to clear space.Today I found out thats not as easy as one would think. A lot of charities dont pick up furnitutre, or have to wait list you for a month. The whole Freecycle thing I tried and always got stood up for pickup. But I digress. Ceratin Someone says if he has to pay to have it removed he will . He's all about non clutter. He replaced my TV's with bigger ones and is already making Ikea shopping plans. We spent a cozy night eating take out Lebanese by the fireplace. It felt like it was below zero outside. Certain Somone still had some 'odds and ends ' to pick up Sunday. I left him all snuggled Sunday morning and went to work at the restaurant while he lazed around, and around, and around. After work I met him at his old place and lit a fire under him. The small stuff turned out to be alot of stuff. It took three carloads and hauling it up my three flights of stairs to get the job done. It was back breaking work , but we are a good team. His mind was set on a nice hot whirpool bath in my bathroom with some cognac and bath salts.I ran his bath and told him that normally my bathroom was off limits,but occasion he may indulge .He whined that his bathroom had no bubble jets. I left him to his bath and organized some of the mess. We turned in and he left early in the morning for a three day business trip. I've spent the day arranging DSL, new phone lines, cable,etc. The place will be great and I like my roomate very much. We cant wait to invite our freinds over.

You Never Know Who You Are Speaking To

Old-fashioned telephone
Originally uploaded by Alejandro the Great.

Most of us have had a 'outsource' experience when we call our banks, credit cards, or try to obtain tech support. Usually one can detect a Indian accent on the other end of the phone who does his best to help you. I've never had a problem with it and always get the answer or solution I need. This morning for some odd reason my Satellite system for the TV did not work for the bedroom. I always like to listen to Good Morning America as I prepare for work. I was already running late, but needed the sound of the TV. I called the company and a lady with a Mexican accent answered. She transferred me to to a tech guy. The tech guy was painfully slow but polite. He also accidentally disconnected me . So I rang up the company again. I got another female with a very thick Mexican accent this time. She didn't seem to understand me , nor I her. Now I've lived and travelled around the world, grew up listening and 'translating' my fathers thick Nigerian accent . So I try to be understanding and sensitive about these matters. Hell my accent in any attempted language is atrocious! But when you have to repeat the spelling of your name and phone number at least 7 times, you become irritated. When the agent repeated back, it was all f***** up. I not meaning to be a witch or politically incorrect, asked to speak to another person who would understand me . She refused to to transfer me and soon I realized she was going to be my tech guide as well. After 10 minutes of shouting my name and digits she asked me to repeat several times what the message on my screen said. 'Invalid access card'. She couldn't understand me. Then she got what I was saying and it was my turn not to understand her. I finally deciphered she wanted to me to find a slot in the receiver box with a card in it. I took it out and reinserted it. Thank the heavens above the programming came through. I thanked her graciously (feeling a little guilty that she got under my skin the way she did). I just wonder why a company would set themselves up for serious complaints and dissatisfaction by placing one in a customer service position who not only doesn't understand ,but can't be understood. Time to get back to my German homework. You'll never find me as customer service rep over there.

Back To The Daily Grind

My messy desk
Originally uploaded by benandbeth.

I returned to work today after a week off. Mercifully my boss is off for a week, so I don't have to deal with interruptions and power trips, and can focus on what really needs to be done.I managed to cross of every item on my huge To Do List. Catching up on the office gossip , I learned that this wasn't a good Thanksgiving for everyone. A few deaths and accidents marred the holiday. This will be a sad week as my team says goodbye to a beloved colleagues husband. She came home the night before the holiday and found him dead of a heart attack . They were high school sweethearts reunited. I don't know how she'll go on without him. They were a touching love story..
Certain Someone and I attended a very nice Thanksgiving dinner at his Partners family home. What a big family with 20 well behaved kids. I was nervous but really enjoyed the evening. His colleague wanted me to persuade Certain Someone to decide to stay in the US next year.. It was beautiful home, dinner , and family full of love and cheer. the weekend got to be a little tense for us. The anxiety about the move next week is setting in and were both a little scared and on edge. I put his name on the door and mailbox, and he's changed his address.Its really going to happen. Certain Someone has already started to remodel my home in his head.Who knew he could be so handy! It will be nice to come home to my teddy bear this cold winter and sit like a old couple in front of the fireplace. I'm ready.

Happy Thanksgiving

Fugly Turkeys
Originally uploaded by D'Arcy Norman.

They could use some neck cream, couldn't they?

Enjoying The Last Few Days Alone

Alone
Originally uploaded by MAVargas.

Certain Someone and I realized the other night that these would be some of the last opportunities to spend alone before he moves in. As both of us were raised only children, and have for the most part lived alone , it was kind of weird. Besides living with family at odd times in my life, and a brief episode with some crazy roommates in college ( I'm sure that concierge still has nightmares about us), I have essentially lived alone. And I like it. So does he , I gather. I find when I'm over there for weekends,or he's over here, we share space pretty well. We don't seem to tire of each other at all. I believe we allow each other freedom and space. I'm prepping his own room to use as a study , X Box room, etc. so he can do his thing. Plus he'll have his own full bathroom.Although I suspect he'll try to use my jacuzzi bath on occasion.So for now this Holiday weekend we have no rigid plans in place. We are just enjoying our solitude, getting thing done, and plan to got to his partners for Thanksgiving. This could conceivably be our last days of singledom and freedom. I look forward to both the solitude,and time we will spend together. Now its times for more cleaning, and baking a batch of lemon curd cookies for tomorrows Thanksgiving Day feast.

Something On My Mind

Flores e Amigos - Flowers and Friends
Originally uploaded by Anderson Sutherland.

Today , my second day of vacation, I spent cleaning, napping, and following up with friends who had and had not attended the party last Saturday. One particular friend was in the back of my mind , as she has been for quite some time. I attended high school with this person and we both lost my mother and her sister to cancer the same year. I always thought it was great that after all these years we found each other in Chicago of all places. Neither of us had changed much. I wouldn't say she was my best friend, but a close one. I always thought she was a bit too opinionated, which I noticed caused her to fall out with others. With her you couldn't agree agree to disagree, but I respected her intelligence. I thought her so called liberalism verged actually more to the right, but its a free country. Over the past year or so it became increasingly difficult to connect with her both in the time and friendship planes. Our lives had diverged,she with two kids, and me with my ' thing'.Little things she'd say would bother me, but I still considered her a friend,although at times misguided.She was who she was, as was I. She became increasingly vocal about her disapproval of how I lived my life, not that it was any business of hers. Regardless I called at times, and emailed, to no avail. The friendship was essentially over . When we did meet up once , due to mutual friends visit, we were mutually lukewarm. Nevertheless I decided to invite her to Saturdays party as one more try to bridge the gap. I know she saw the Evite, but she ignored it. Our mutual friend commented that she said 'we just weren't close anymore'. I've fallen out with other friends at times with similar strong personalities because I was true to myself and would not let them bully or influence me with their self righteous opinions. I was talking to another friend about how we always seem to give more in these one sided friendships, and in the end the they hurt and let down. Am I bothered? Yes. But I tried , and that's all one can do. Time to move on to the next phase of my life and surround myself with people who accept me, my tastes, and views , as I am, without judgement.

Grazie, Mercie, Gracias,Danke....

My first "homemade" cards
Originally uploaded by audinou.

I returned from several days at Certain Someones with a big bag of Birthday loot. My friends, family ,and boyfriend are the greatest. For someone that's always crying broke, and has been under the radar lately, it touched me to see people I haven't seen in a while show up on Saturday for my 'cocktail' party in a South Loop Bar. There friendship and generosity really blew me away. The offer of drinks were flowing( so much that I had to turn some down), the presents were thoughtfully chosen, and everyone had a mild relaxing , sophisticated good time. I really have a broad , eclectic group of friends. I'm a blessed and lucky girl.

Birthday Week Update

Swag in a Box
Originally uploaded by powerbooktrance.

This has been truly a busy and wonderful for week for me. On my birthday Certain Someone and I dined in the romantic Les Nomades. What a feast! I chose an assortment of pates to start, duck consomme, duck confit and breast, and a Grand Mariner souffle. Not to mention the wines and champagnes that accompanied each course. Certain Someone went for the gusto with five courses. We were the youngest couple in the restaurant and always sneaked a quick kiss. He's not afraid of tasteful public displays of affection. When we got up to leave , after all that food and wine, the tipsy feeling set in.The owner remarked that thankfully we only lived next door. How did she know that?
Before dinner he gave me a I Pod Nano in red. I have never had one before and am truly excited to join the I Pod crowd. I will let my sweetie set it all up for me ( 1,000 songs). I wonder if I even have 1,000 songs. Certain Someone has really spoiled me this week. In a few hours were having dinner and the my Birthday Drinks party at M Lounge. I'm expecting around 30, but who knows.The wine bar where I work part time has already called and begged me to work tonight. No can do.Yesterday she suggested I have my friends come there for my birthday, and now she wants me to work.People don't listen. Well I'm determined to continue my good feeling and hopefully will survive working the Sunday Brunch in the morning.

Weighing In

weight
Originally uploaded by michgm.

They say every decade past the age of thirty, you can , and can't shake an extra 10 pounds. Well on my last day of being 37, the weight of my body, and the world are weighing me down. I started off the week with a great dinner on Sunday,and am salivating over my anticipated birthday dinner tomorrow night. Certain Someone is making me anxious as he had to go to Florida at the crack of dawn this morning ,and as I type this evening, is jetting back , all so he can be with me tomorrow. I also have been concerned about the state of health of one of my aunts. She underwent open heart surgery yesterday, and everyone is on pins and needles. Last I heard shes doing really well and will be home for Thanksgiving.Speaking of which I had planned a small dinner for Certain Someone to get more acquainted with my Auntie Mame. but she'll be with her sister in D.C as she recovers understandably. So it looked like it would just be us two. I even bought the turkey tonight. But now we are going to his partners house. Less pressure ( weight ) on me then. I'll still cook for us to have some leftovers.Another few pounds of added weight! And lets not speak of the job pressures I'm undergoing. I guess I should be thankful, as I have been bored out of mind for some time. I guess the only time I feel weightless , is when I'm asleep. I'm looking forward to a lot weightless moments next week after all the birthday festivities, and after Thanksgiving, when I'm on vacation.

Little Red Riding Hood

Little red riding hood
Originally uploaded by lebonbonmulticolore.

Last night Gabi took me to dinner for my Birthday. I had offered to pick her up prior, but ever the independent she said she'd meet me there. She picked a great Wine Dinner at West Town Tavern that offered five courses and wine. I found the spot and waited till our designated time. Gabi , due to bus issues was running late. I was a little worried as to where the bus would drop her off, as the area was one of those 'GENTRIFIED" ones Chicago is known for . Gabi called in and informed me she was off the bus(it was old and didn't announce the stops. etc) but not near our destination.She was trying to hail a cab ,but had no success. I immediately offered to meet her and asked her location. I asked her location and she said Halsted and Clyborn. It didn't register to me exactly what the area was, but I drove over there . We talked on the phone as I drove because I sensed the area was getting strange. Then it occurred to me, she was heading towards the infamous Cabrini Green Housing Projects! I warned her and she said that there some nice condos in the area. That's the paradox, upscale condos mixed with low income housing. I found her just in time , around Heckys Rib House,as one more block south she would have been in some rough territory. I'm amazed how my friends, especially the foreign ones, find their way around the city via public transport. I'm too spoiled now to navigate and have no patience for it. Plus I need the car for my job.All ended well and safe. We had a great dinner and catch up. After taking her home , I went to Certain Someones. He was engrossed in X box with The Rock. I told them about Gabi, looking so cute in her red coat about to accidentally enter the dicey world of Cabrini Green. Hope shes careful in LA.

Out Of The Mouths Of Babes

glimpse
Originally uploaded by .ash.

Today at lunch in the company cafeteria and interesting interaction went on between the young ones and my age group. I've only recently started eating at the office because its way cheaper, and loads of great food. I am regulated to sit in the off area where visitors, construction workers and the outside sales reps sit. For a while I've noticed a group of young former interns who now work officially for the company sit at their usual table. They are always so confident , optimistic, and have very healthy senses of self.Maybe even a bit to much. Ah to be young, arrogant, and to feel the world is yours! Well anyway one of them who happens to be a assistant to a Rep made a crack about our age bracket. It started with discussion of a rapper called Jim Jones. The elder person said the only Jim Jones she remembered was the religious nut who poisoned his followers with KOOL AID. The babies had no idea about who she was talking about, Then they started cracking about when the elder went to college. They mistakenly dated it to the mid seventies and referenced a movie that was actually made in the late eighties, Spike Lee's School Days( a realistic look at life on black colleges). By now all the Thirty/Forty somethings were flabbergasted. I corrected one on the date of the movie, and another assured the young ones that we didn't ride mules or horses to get to class. They thought computers didn't exist for us in school. When someone mentioned a Smith Corona, they thought we were talking about beer. I rolled my eyes at the exchange. I thought back to when I was that age, and surely I was more in touch and informed than these kids. The future of America.....

Another Birthday Approaching

Happy Birthday Kay-Kay
Originally uploaded by Lall.

Next week is the big 38. Yes that's right ,38. Although everyone tells me I look more like my late 20's. I have a busy week coming up. A dear friend is taking me for a long overdue dinner( I don't get out much anymore , much to my friends consternation). Certain Someone is taking me to the world famous Les Nomades for a fabulous gourmet experience on the actual day ,the 16th. Then our group of friends will gather Saturday evening at M Lounge , a South Loop Martini bar. My good friend R and his love are flying in from Miami. And as if all that wasn't enough, Certain Someone and I will then attend the opera Romeo et Juliette Monday evening. Plus I'm on vacation and Thanksgiving that week. Its all kind of working out great. My mother used to tell me to always count my blessings. While I complain a lot about my job, finances, I have been given so much in this life. My 38 is so different from when my mother was that age. She had a teenage daughter getting ready to graduate from High School! I still worry about how and when I 'm going to have a child. I still have my health, life, jobs, supportive family, friends, and hope & dreams. So what if I'm not the size I was in my twenties. I can still turn a head or two. So Happy Birthday to Me!

Spell it Right

Spell it Right
Originally uploaded by BitBoy.

It has been brought to my attention lately that I have a serious spelling problem. Ironically I was never plagued with this problem in school. But as I become more addicted to my Blackberry and all things technical, my basic skills diminish. I have become to reliant on Spell Check, and am always in a hurry. My handwriting is suffering the same fate. I think faster than I write. The result is a huge mess. Certain Someone who's one of the smartest people I know is always pointing out my English grammatical and spelling errors. He's a taskmaster. He speaks 3 languages perfectly and he just makes me sick sometimes with his perfection .Last weekend my old friend M came in for a quick visit. As he lives in Seattle, the blog is a way he can keep up with my busy self. He politely pointed out that I've had Thirty misspelled on my header of the blog since the beginning. Certain Someone nodded in agreement . All this time and no one said anything! I also embarrassed myself firing off a quick donor solicitation email for one of my boards on the Blackberry( no Spell Check). I bcc'd Certain Someone and he quickly replied that I had misspelled two words. I proofed it several times. Oh well, I guess we won't be getting that donation. I guess I just have to slow down and pay more attention to details. This could explain why I haven't been getting much nibbles from sending out my resumes. But I had those proofed. Also learning German is adding to the confusion. My class partner and a new friend whose taking lessons too,and I mix francaise in with Deutsche. I didn't sit with him and he made a remark that I didn't want to fall into the habit again during class. Maybe on some subconscious level yes? So I need to hang out with better spellers and otherwise perfect people from now on.

Taking Out The Trash

trash house chronicles
Originally uploaded by Malingering.

My house is not anywhere near these pictures. However I find as I clear space to make room for Certain Someone , I have a lot of stuff. Last night while the youngsters of Hyde Park went Trick Or Treating, I looked like a mad woman hurling bags of magazines over my balcony . They were way to heavy to lug down the back stairs and I didn't want to get the janitor involved.. I managed to throw out about 3 years of Vogues, Town and Country's, W's, and Vanity Fairs. Not to mention the odd periodical I kept from my travels. It wasn't as hard to say goodbye to those as my 80's collection ( those were the days and fashion was far better and interesting).But there is a season for everything, and it was time to say Ciao. Needless to say the kids going through the alley didn't mess with me. I was a crazed woman on a mission. The next project will be to finally clean out Daddy's old room. I keep the door closed and use it as a storage room for evening gowns, etc. But this is where Certain Someone will store his stuff as I have no other closet space for him , understandably. Tonight however I will take a break and devote it to the study of German. I missed class for second time and already lost. If I could clear my mind and schedule as easily as throwing away the garbage, life would be great.

.

Transitions

Moving in
Originally uploaded by Clav.

This weekend was all about transitions. On Saturday Certain Someone and I said farewell to a friend of ours that was tragically murdered. The group gathered to be strong for each other and pay our respects to a beautiful girl taken in her prime. The funeral turned to a all day affair with us continuing onto a bar for drinks, then dinner , and a movie. No one seemed to want to part company. The day was filled with laughter and tears. In the end I felt our friend was at peace and would watch over and guide all that loved her. I didn't know her as well as the others, but her death and life left a strong impression.
On a lighter note , Certain Someone and I announced to some friends and family members that he will be moving in with me for a few months. In principle I don't believe in living together, but his landlord is selling his place, and its easier to stay with me until Jan, when he'll get a new place. It will help me out enormously as I like his company, and I will be recovering from surgery. My own male nurse! It will also be a good test for our relationship. Some other friends of ours are taking the plunge and teased us about this was how it started. Were both only children, so we have a lot to learn about sharing space and lives. So lets hope for the best. Daylight Savings time has started , and we've gained a extra hour. So much to plan over the next few weeks with my Birthday, Thanksgiving, and the move. It all looks so promising.

Minneapolis Panorama

Minneapolis Panorama
Originally uploaded by Bolobilly.

I've been in Minneapolis since this past Monday. As ususal there isnt much to report. Just the usual territory visit. The weather has been bleak and dreary with the exception of today, which was a little warmer.Honestly I can't wait to get home. My group received some tragic news concerning a friend of ours that just leaves me with a unsettled feeling . It makes you wonder" what posseses people to do what they do" and more distrusting of mankind in general. I tried to clear my mind last night and go see the controversial Marie Antoinnette. For a few hours I was transported into the glittering and decadent world of the doomed Austrian born princess. I loved the costumes and images. The normally empty theater was full of customers for a special screening of another movie. I had the misfortune to be in front of a odd group that seem to make a hobby out of scoring free passes, going from movie to movie, until they get caught ,and driving hours for a cheap church dinners.Interesting life they lead. I could have sworn the manager of the theater was a man, put passed as a female very nicley. After the film I hurried along the nearly deserted skyway before it closed. I felt trapped and finished the journey back to the hotel outside. The cold air felt good. As I settled into bed( why are hotel beds so comfortable?) I thought about Certain Someone and my own home. How I missed them . I love Chicago.

Fire Starter

Car Fire I-10 Fry Rd
Originally uploaded by billjacobus1.

Over the past month some strange occurrences have been happening when I'm with Certain Someone. I have to ask myself "is it just coincidence?" It first started in D.C. While we were navigating the Beltway to visit my old house, a car was burning rapidly on the side of the road. A group of nonchalant teenagers sat along side it ,not at all scared it was going to blow! Certain Someone seemed non pulsed but I feared that it would explode just as we passed it. It reminded me of a childhood accident I once witnessed .Then last week while we took a romantic stroll to work off some calories, a five alarm fire broke out at highrise on Michigan Ave. Several fire trucks , police, ambulances, and newscrews blocked off traffic. All the hundreds of tourists just stopped and looked up trying to catch a glimpse. We couldn't see anything and wondered what everyone was pointing at. I thought perhaps someone was getting ready to jump. But we were informed it was a five alarm . The building still stands, and honestly I haven't caught up with local news lately to see what happened yesterday, we calm walked along Michigan Avenue after my German class , and a taxi just caught on fire right there! The smoking engine exploded into rapid flames once Certain Someone turned his penetrating green eyes on it. It really looked and smelled like it was going to blow in a few minutes. I looked at him strange and commented on all the weird fires lately. He smirked at me with a devilish grin and said 'maybe your starting the fires..." In that sexy low German accent of his. Coincidence or supernatural?

What's Wrong With People...?

This week has been pretty ho hum. Its been so busy and nothing really exciting to report other than I got a flu shot and got sick soon after. I'm always on the run between both jobs, Certain Someone, board commitments, and a occasional outing . This weeks outings were with Certain Someone's at his new find J Bar ,at the James Hotel. I wearily joined him there twice this week after long work days. One thing I found that both annoyed he and I this week was just people at large. At the restaurant it amazed me how people just bypassed me the hostess and basically tried to do whatever they wanted. I held one mans reservation for an hour, and he finally showed up and ignored my greeting and me. He decided to smooze at the bar , not caring that I had a two page wait list of people dying for that table. I gave the table away, and then he decided he wanted the table. The nerve. That's just one of many tales of self absorption I find in others. I wish I could be that inconsiderate and not care, but I always worry about everyone else. Then on the weekend Certain Someone and I just got downright irritated at the crowds along the Mag Mile and the rudeness. It has always amazed me that people have no regard for others they may be blocking , stalling, or pushing. The gawkers want to hog the sidewalks and generally stop the flow. At the Symphony Sunday evening we got irritated with the general admission crowd . One pushy lady even had the audacity to ask us to move down mid Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. She didn't like her view. Sometimes I look at Certain Someone and can see that he gets really pissed. Those Germans are all about order, good manners, and flow. Maybe his influence is rubbing off on me, hence my lack of patience and irritation.

Buckeye State Of Mind

This weekend Certain Someone flew me to Columbus Ohio to visit his childhood friend and wife from Germany. I had been to Columbus numerous times before for business and really didn't form a accurate favorable impression of the city. But this weekend changed my mind. Romeo and Juliet were the most gracious hosts. I felt as if I were in a luxurious Bed and Breakfast. Our first dinner consisted of grilled steaks and salmon in their lovely home. I found Juliet to be a kindred spirit as she hails from France and we had similar interests and tastes. We wrapped up dinner lingered over our digestifs and called it a night. The next day Ohio State Football awaited . Romeo is on the faculty and procured two hard to get tickets and a pre season reception for us. I had never been to a American College game before, as I had European art school experience .What a slice of Americana!The bands, pageantry, loyal die hard fans raised from birth to root on the Buckeyes. Certain Someone made sure I was dressed in the right colors. He just blended right on in. No one would have guessed he was raised elsewhere. The number one ranked team won against Bowling Green (naturally). I felt bad for the under ranked team, dressed in Hooters(the boob restaurant)colors. But they gave it a good shot. And I learned what a Buckeye is( a type of nut) and the name of their adorable mascot, oddly called Brutus(wasn't he a traitor?).The day was long and concluded in a great restaurant in the cobblestone German Village , G. Michaels. The next day we woke late a drove into the scenic countryside . Our destination was Granville and some apple picking. Certain Someone and Romeo sang to a eighties soundtrack. How Juliet and I were shocked when they knew Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse Of The Heart, by heart. It was unnerving they sang it several times. We passed by a haunted house called Haunted Hoochie, which looked lame. Once in Granville we had lunch and climbed up the long hill to Dennison College, a private college on top of hill. The fall foliage was stunning. No wonder those pampered college kids were so skinny, all that hill climbing. We finally made it to Lynde Apple Orchards. Certain Someone at first didn't seem to into it, but soon enough he was directing me to what the better trees and apples were. He and Romeo had this childish enthusiasm that was p[leasing to watch. We decided to make a Apple cranberry crisp and grill some brats when we got back. Those were the best tasting apples I ever had. Certain Someone and I carried our big bag on the plane later that evening. I promised to make him a American apple pie later. Before we left his old and my new friends, we were asked to make a drawing and write some words on a parchment sheet that can be added to a unusual chandelier over their dining room table.All their guests had left interesting drawings and notes in all sorts of languages. Certain Someone and I decided to draw a spoof of a fairy tale that correlates to his childhood nickname. An fitting end to a story book weekend.

Brauhaus

brauhaus
Originally uploaded by Lis Rock.

Certain Someone returned earlier than planned from Copenhagen. Due to his heavy work demands we couldn't join our friends for Octoberfest in Milwaukee. I can't wait to read Gabis account of the beer fueled weekend. So Friday night after attending Macy's Glamorama fashion show and party, feauturing headliner Beyonce, I rushed over to my sweeties. I had planned on being at the party past midnight,but tired feet and a jaded attitude made me leave earlier than planned . I was glad to see Certain Someone even though he was half asleep and exhausted from all his jet lag. We woke early and went our separate ways, he to golf, and me to German class. We planned on meeting later for dinner at Chicago Brauhaus . After a wait of just a hour , we managed to get a table in the noise filled establishment. Talk about kitsch, but the food lived up to our expectations. Certain Someone ordered a crispy pork shank. It reminded me of when I first fell for him upon meeting, he had ordered a garangutan lamb shank. I always felt like he looked like Henry VIII with those huge hunks of meat. I dared him to finish it, but he couldn't. Needless to say us 'old folks" went home at a reasonable hour and called it a night. We got a update from Milwaukee, and seems they were turning in early as well. But they started way earlier. Today was a quiet one as we parted ways so he could work , and I could do my thing. This weekend we plan on flying to Columbus for the Columbus Day weekend to visit his good friends. We have Ohio State football tix and plan to visit another German establishment . Its hard to believe its October already. Where does the time fly by?

Not Quite Like His Mutters

Last weekend , in honor of Certain Someone's big promotion, I decided to make a traditional German meal of Sauerbraten. After extensive online research comparing recipes with marinating times varying from 2-4 days,I targeted Sunday as dinnertime! I started prepping Wendsday evening . Come Friday Certain Someone informed me that he was being called to Copenhagen Sunday night on business .Not only was I upset at the prospect of my newly appointed Director being away for a long time, but that my dinner was ruined! We decided to push it up a day to Saturday. I spent Saturday taking my first German class for 2 1/2 hours, shopping for additional ingredients to make potato dumpling, and hard to find German beer. I settled on packaged potato dumpling in the freezer section of Hyde Park COOP. If I hadn't have told him he never would have known. The scents from the roasting meat were yummy as I cleaned the house. All was perfect until the final preparation of the sauce. Since most of my cooking liquids had evaporated ,the gravy turned out too thick. Certain Someone looked at the dish skeptically after appreciating the scent as he walked in my home. He also inquired as to what type of meat I used. In Deutschland another type of meat,which I won't mention, is occasionally used. Nevertheless he had several servings with red cabbage and dumplings. He really liked the dumplings!. I thought I did ok for my first try. The gravy was thick but very tasty. He was stuffed. Although none will ever be as good as his mamma's. At least I cooked it with love. So as my sweetie eats Danish hotel food all week, he can fondly look back to my first Sauerbraten.

Juggling the Crazies,Time, and Money

juggling balls in the air
Originally uploaded by mike 23.

Today was a crazy day. I got up at the crack of dawn for a early morning doctors appointment . I had a lot on my plate today which I systematically accomplished. Every now and then a curve ball was thrown my way. Like for instance Certain Someone( who recently got a big promotion) assured me that he wouldn't be traveling for a few weeks, has to go to Copenhagen for a week and half on Sunday. I had spent the day before planning and pre prepping a elaborate German Sauerbraten that has to marinate four days for a romantic dinner Sunday. Oh well, it will have to be Saturday night then. Hope he doesn't compare it to his mothers as it will only marinate for 3 days now..Then I have this odd person that works for me that informed me of a supposedly important meeting in the store. I protested that it was to short notice and wasn't convenient today. Nevertheless I drove the 40 miles out and got there late afternoon. The manager was supposedly busy and the culprit was stalling for a excuse. Upon seeing him I railed into him about postponing yet another meeting, not returning my calls, etc. He told me that she basically told me she put all this together without his knowledge ,and when he found out told her I wasn't needed,which she didn't relay to me. We soothed our ruffled feathers and realized we are dealing with a major manipulator and liar. If it was attention she sought ,it was our wrath she incurred by putting us in that situation and playing us off each other. She had her meeting all right, but not with me ! I also found out some juicy gossip I really didn't need to hear. Lets just say a certain newlywed I know of in passing is having a affair with a Vegas performer , whilst pregnant with her long sought after husbands child. How do people get in these jams? So I went over to job #2 and had a relatively busy but peaceful evening. Its amazing how mindless labor centers you. I chuckled over an earlier incident with my colleague in a Fannie May store. When paying for her candy,she asked the sales clerk for a discount. The skinny teenager promptly replied she has just missed Senior Day. Meow! Well that's my day. Busy, hectic,and surrounded by all sorts of interesting people and situations.

Revisiting The Past

Originally uploaded by .bandit.

I've just returned from a long weekend in Washington DC as Certain Someone's guest. He has a conference this week there , and thought it would be nice to return to my birthplace . I haven't been "home " in a long time. With both of my parents gone, I have little connection. We arrived on separate flights late Friday afternoon and checked into the Washington Hilton and Towers. This was where Reagan was shot many years ago. My father had offices right across the street at the time. After a quick nap we walked around Dupont Circle. By this point I felt like a stranger in my hometown, but it was nice to rediscover it with my sweetie. We had a late dinner in a Osteria and returned to the hotel. On Saturday I called my dads best friend from his American University in Beirut days and we all met in Chinatown. My how that had changed as well. I remember my first job out of college in the old Woodward and Lothrop store. Chinatown was a little grittier and real back then. Now its very commercial and developed with Bed Bath and Beyond's alongside the eateries. Nevertheless the Dim Sum at Tony Chengs was the best I ever had. A tourist told us upon entering ,she had dined there twelve times on her visit as she rubbed her belly. Daddies friend and Certain Someone hit it off and I felt Daddy would have approved. He dropped us off on M St in Georgetown where we leisurely shopped,walked around the "new" waterfront ( another new concept to me ) by the canal, pigged out on ice cream and pizza at Paradisos. The Hagen Das shop was there when I was a teenager, so that was nice. Along the waterfront we witnessed a seedy fashion photoshoot. A boat owner let the girls hop on his craft as they posed and contorted for the camera. Certain Someone and I loved to people watch. Sunday we decided to rent a car and visit my old high school in Potomac and a house I lived in prior to my parents divorce. He was quite impressed with the all girls campus and ritzy real estate around my school. White Pickett fences and stables were the norm. We ate lunch in Potomac Village and drove out further to North Potomac. I was a little disappointed. The houses where I grew up did not seem as impressive as when I was a child. I saw a lady come out my old house( which looked the same , just smaller) and told her I was the first family that lived there. She said hi, and drove her car down the driveway and into a ditch. The craziest thing I ever saw. All the neighbors came out to try and help. I recognized one and he called his wife out. She invited us in for coffee, but we politely declined. Time sure does fly. We caught up for a few moments and left. Tom Wolf was right,'You can never go home again". I felt I closed a book on a long chapter. We drove to Great Falls and walked some miles along the C&O CANAL,viewed the dams, took photos, and just enjoyed the flora and fauna. A nice way to wrap up the day. I had one last treat remaining. We went to the Dancing Crab where I indulged in my favorite Maryland crabs cooked in Old Bay. Certain Someone tried one, but I felt they were to much work for him. He ordered a huge seafood platter. I ate like a happy kid with my bib and wet dirty hands covered in spice. We came back to the hotel and watched Kill Bill 1 and 2 like a old cozy couple. After breakfast we kissed goodbye and I drove the car back to the airport. The end our mini vacation. It was the best weekend ever! Thank you sweetie for making this happen.

I Never Thought It Could Happen To Me...

Millenium Park - Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Great Lawn
Originally uploaded by wallyg.

Over the weekend I gathered some friends and people from an art's association, I'm involved with, for a lawn concert. One of the guys brought along some people from his church. Certain Someone had with him two friends visiting from Stockholm. All in all a lovely evening,until...One of the "church" woman got quite tipsy and exuberant on her jug wine and friends Cheerio trail mix.In mid concert whilst I lay alongside my sweetie, she took a hunk of cheese and went crazy. Next I felt her push me belly and face down into the blanket and proclaimed 'I MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD'. She started to rub my derriere and back and commenting on how tense I was. As much as I protested she forcefully continues. Certain Someone or no one could stop her, and everyone was sssshhhisng us . Of course I was tense because this strange older Yoko Ono type who seemed to have suffered a stroke was rubbing my ass in front of hundreds of people.I tried to be polite and just let her rub a few moment's more to keep the commotion down. She eventually got the message and stopped. I thanked her for her services and thankfully the concert ended and we got the hell out. I pray I never see her again. Later that night as we went to sleep Certain Someone expressed that he had never been more mortified and he wished the ground had swallowed him up right there. Well how the hell did he think I felt!

Missing Nemo

Nemo
Originally uploaded by raqui09.

Sunday as Certain Someone and I were on the boat, his eye caught a glimpse of something. The Rockford River is a dark green murky body of water where you may find a occasional catfish jumping , see a live Human torpedo, or Daddy and Me water skiing teams decked out in bright costumes. Along the shoreline you admire beautiful houses and Goth kids doing a Happy Dance around a fountain. In other words, anything goes. So imagine our amazement when Certain Someone pointed out a floating plastic bag passing us by. Our friend B immediately jumped in the warm waters and fished it out. Inside the bag was little Nemo. My Sweetie became quite attached to the little thing and guarded it closely until we got back to the house. A lot of fuss was made about the transfer of water, etc. Quite educational ! It was decided that with his schedule , Certain Someone could not provide Nemo a good home, so he decided to let our hosts neighbors children adopt it. They have promised to send updates. Already we were informed that he has a brand spanking new aquarium and might get a little buddy to splash with. Its tough for Certain Someone as he also had to say goodbye to his good friends baby who was moving away soon. Two goodbyes in one day. I have to find a way to cheer him up.

Girls Beware of the Competition

render1
Originally uploaded by Jack000.

This Labor Day weekend Certain Someone and I drove out to Rockford to go boating with 'The Rock' at his sisters house. The day was perfect cruising the Rockford river ,drinking and eating. Certain Someone and I really relaxed and enjoyed the good company. When we got back to the house after a very long day we fired up the grill and threw on some steaks and brats, chased by more beer and tequila. Then came show time . The Rocks brother in law hooked up the Playstation on the 60 inch TV screen ( the ultimate mans toys) and played some sort of game called Guitar Hero. Everyone was really good playing along to classic guitar rock pieces, with the exception of myself who ultimately crashed on the sofa. Certain Someone was impressive. In fact he was glued to the game . His face fell into that zombie like trance you see little boys and teenagers get into. All I remember was finally going to bed , and he eventually joining around 2 am or so. When we woke, around 10, he immediately went back to the TV and started on another game. My grown man had turned into a little boy in less than 24 hours. I'm worried because his friends are coming in from Sweden this week with his precious X box he left behind. I can compete with the work schedule, boys nights out, golf, etc. But the X box, I'm scared....

I Wonder What That Freaks Day Job Is?

Cartel Freak Day
Originally uploaded by deramaenrama.

Every now and then when it gets really quiet in the wine bar, I look up from my host stand and he goes whizzing by. He is a Asian man approximately in his late thirties , early forties with a Aztec looking bob. He's always scantily clad in gold lame hotpants with some butt cheek showing. As he rolls by on roller blades and Boom box in one arm (very early eighties ghetto), he's always smiling like he took some Ecstasy tabs. Today he wore a short blue trench coat over his shiny hot pants. Freak Boy either arouses love or hate. I like to think that this probable IT geek ,or perhaps even a lawyer, likes to unwind at the end of a hard day ,flashing the patrons of the avenue cafes in Bucktown. Just my opinion anyway...

Hell...I'll Even Go To A Opening Of A Supermarket

Well the fall social season has officially kicked off for me today. No Opening Night of the Opera, or some gala. Today , that had a hint of Fall in the weather, I attended a supermarket opening. A friend invited me because his old school friend was part of the organization. The market is called Sunflower, and is a cross between the trendy Whole Foods and Trader Joes. Their hook is lower prices and a shopping experience made easier while supporting local farmers and vendors. I , being a foodie, was quite impressed. I strolled the aisles nibbling on organic pizza that trendy Asian girls in green vinyl distributed. I sampled some Dixie cups of wines, chatted with the cheese boys as they spread my cracker with some Brie concoction. The brands were top rate, and a very nice beer and wine section I may add. After the head of the Lincoln Park Chamber of commerce cut the ceremonial ribbon in front of the refrigerated glass produce room, I decided to do a little shopping for my dinner .Organic clams, pasta,oh and toothpaste for the morning. Great market, plan to go back.

The Surprise Was....Corteo.

Corteo.
Originally uploaded by _e.t.

Certain Someone had kept me guessing a week about a surprise he planned for today. As much as I inquired, the more he shut down , and actually threatened to cancel. I pushed the envelope, even goggling the date to see what came up. But In all my fantasies and thoughts , I could never have guessed the Cirquedesoliel's Cortero! We started our leisurely Sunday attending a Ferrari festival near the Italian Village with our friend 'The Rock'. If you remember I tried to fix him up with a crazy disaster last weekend. We all still hadn't gotten over her comments. Certain Someone and The Rock were like babes in toyland checking out the details of the Ferrari's and lone Masseratti. We posed and primped by the cars. I wore a snug zip up Ferrari Tshirt , and was approached by several people asking if I worked for the company. CLTV even approached me and interviewed me for a segment to run later on TV that evening. Not the boys, me! We then had a leisurely walk, lunch , and beers. 5:00 snuck up all to soon and my sweetie and I grabbed a taxi. He had wanted to blindfold me, but forgot. So he kept my head down in his lap until we reached our destination. I sensed United Center, and it was. I looked up and saw the tents. I had never attended a Cirquedesoliel performance but had heard rave reviews. It didn't disappoint. I covered Certain Someone in kisses,and we settled back to watch the show. Spectacular. How thoughtful of him. Another affirmation to my insecure self that he cares, and I'm a lucky girl. Kiss .

The Ever Changing Face Of Downtown Chicago

Chicago - Marshall Field and Company
Originally uploaded by wallyg.

My mother used to go all 'old school' and recall about growing up in Chicago during the '50's and 60's'. The eldest of eight children wouldn't dare meet her mother downtown for a trip to Marshall Fields or Carsons without being dressed in a dress, white socks, white gloves, coat and matching hat. That's the way they did it back then. All of 'mamma's ' children always had the best quality clothes and were something to behold and admire. That standard carried through into everything they did. As a result all eight attained advanced degrees in their chosen fields. Quite a feat back then ,and even in this day and age. It wasn't that they were rich, but my grandparents worked hard and were go getters. They instilled this quality in their children. The standard was high. Like the high standards of retail in another era....
Yesterday I received a disturbing call. While trying to reconcile ,on a business front ,the merging of historic Marshall Fields into Macy's, another piece of big news hit. Carsons State Street was closing its doors. Now Carsons and Fields ran head to head . Both offered superb quality , service, and wares. Both were in landmark buildings that held so many stories. Christmas at Fields in to see the 'Tree' in the Walnut Room attracted people from all over. Both Carsons and Fields went all out for the window displays. I could go on. Macy's is committed to keep the Fields traditions alive. Chicago can wait and see. Carsons however, in my opinion lost its original luster a long time ago. After so many takeovers,I suppose that's bound to happen. But it had its loyal customer ,and will continue to in its many locations. The Carsons State street store was huge,and operating costs were cited as the a main reason for its closing. Its the end of a era. I remember the last time I saw my grandmother alive she took me, along with Auntie Mame to assist, on a shopping spree to Carsons, Fields, and Neiman Marcus for my high school graduation present. We endlessly tried on the high quality pieces for me take off to Paris where I was to attend college. When we got home she made me model them again to make sure they were just right and show off her oldest grandchild. I treasured my Dior wool pleated skirt and wore it for years until I couldn't no more. Like Mommy,I'm thankful for my downtown memories.

Chicago Is My Kind Of Town

Blue Angels
Originally uploaded by Кevin.

It's late , and I'm just returning from a great girls night out with Gab's and some friends . When I woke this morning I wanted to cancel,due to fatigue from all the weekend festivities. But I'm glad I didn't. We had a 5 star dinner at IL Covo. Gab's compatriot is the head chef blending Australian and Italian cuisine. As we dined a film crew from a popular local show came into the joint and asked our opinions. Gab's did all the talking, PR pro she is, and really sold the place. I must return with Certain Someone for dinner for two.
Yesterday was spent on Mother Gumby's at her annual rooftop Air Water Show party. What a great food and drink spread she presented. Her apartment had amazing views and looked like something from architectural Digest. The crowd was warm and cozy. Certain Someone and I shared a chaise poolside and watched all the jets thunder by,while I rubbed his temples. Those boys love their toys. While I have mixed opinions about all the military activity in the current state of the world,you cant help but being impressed seeing those Blue Angels and other craft fly by. What a show and party. After the party we went shopping,which I'm coming to believe is his favorite pastime. He should start paying me as his personal shopper.
The night before we met with a friend and a blind date we set him up with. What a disaster! It really should have been filmed for reality TV. The young lady was loaded and quite suggestive to both our friend and Certain Someone. At the end of the evening we had quite a earful about her favorite "physical activity"and "recreational activity" . I felt bad for her, as she won't remember what she said and did. Remind me to not play Cupid again.
And last but not least was Gabis Birthday Celebration on Friday. Great night was had by all. I only wish I could have unwinded more ,But I had to rise early the next morning( 4:00 am) to perform makeover s for a wedding. The Birthday girl had a most memorable 29 th . She's a lucky girl ,and we should all feel blessed to know her.

Don't Forget What The Important Things Are

This evening a good friend of mine , who had read my recent blog entries, reminded me not to forget what the "important things are". This coming from a man that deals with life and death every day. Sometimes we get all wrapped up in the material, that we forget to count our blessings. I'm grateful for so much in my life . For having a loving family,Certain Someone, great friends, and most importantly health and hope. I'll take health and hope over the immaterial any day.

Love in the Afternoon

Google Calender + weather
Originally uploaded by Stella N.F..

I realize as I'm about to write this,I've been influenced by Gabis blog entry from yesterday. She spoke of how her social calendar is filling up rapidly. It seems that theme is running through Certain Someone's and my lives. Today he squeezed me into his busy schedule , as he just returned late last night , for a quickie lunch at Typhoon Cafe. We literally pulled out the Blackberry's and Treos to coordinate the next few weeks. He complained that our very little free time ( weekends) are always taken with some social activity,and how we don't spend enough quality alone time together. I agree. He's always away for business during the week, and I work two jobs. If he is home, he's usually burning the midnight oil . Our precious weekends go by far too quickly , and most of it is spent sleeping. Sometimes it feels as if we don't have enough time for our friends , family,or each other. I look forward to a special 'surprise ' he has planned in the next few weeks, and some quick weekend get aways.In the meanwhile I'm content with a occasional quickie lunch in the afternoon. Wir finden schon eine Losung.

Where Does All This Money Come From

Acme Market give away needles, and Richie Rich
Originally uploaded by Saffanna.

Yesterday Certain Someone and I went to one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago, RL. Auntie Mame introduced me to this treat. The menu is pretty basic, emulating that old waspy private dining club feel. In my mind I always call it the rich mans McDonald's. On any given day you'll always see some prominent Chicagoan meeting friends there after a hard day of shopping or some cocktail event. So as Certain Someone and I settled in,and ordered deluxe burgers while we sat in the outdoor section, a group of flashy young nouveau types caught our attention. The two men looked like 'club' types with a impressionable young lady who was obviously impressed. The group sat sipping rose and sharing a charcuterie platter. Their conversation s vulgar,loud,yet intriguing . Certain Someone , masked in his Prada frames ,chastised me for not speaking German so we talk about them. I was riveted. Then a Mercedes pulled up, and another young one got out and yelled at the group. She joined the table and introductions were made and she was asked what her father did. By now we were rolling our eyes. It seems they were all in the restaurant/ club biz. Not to offend my European honey,but they epitomized the term Euro trash. We later saw them cruising Rush street giving shout outs . Certain Someone and I wondered how they do it and where this money comes from. As we walking back home we passed the Bentley dealer. Certain Someone loves his cars and gives me the history and stories of the exotic high end makes. We noticed a relatively young man about our age pull out in a Maybach. I"m sure that car fetches around a few hundred thousand. I kind of got depressed because making ends meet is a endless struggle. These Bright Young Things don't seem to burning the midnight oil,but yet seem to have huge incomes. Must be nice. I hope they are happy.

pensieri [thoughts]

pensieri [thoughts]
Originally uploaded by foxtwo.

In my line of work I come across a cross segment of people. Sometimes their actions and deeds amaze me , and sometimes they amuse me. Today I had two random encounters that left me wondering...

In one of my stores today, a associate came by the counter to brag that her church just got their Pastor a private Jet. I looked at her blankly. Her Pastor is a well know 'leader" in the community and a politician. I was always raised church and state shouldn't mix. Nevertheless he 'needed' this jet, I guess to tend to his other flocks. I 'm sure the man is doing some good ,somewhere, But it amazes me that people that make and have so little , build these self appointed leaders up . In my opinion that money could have built several food centers for the needy. Or maybe he plans to fly around Chicagos needy areas and drop food bundles?

When I got to the restaurant later that evening, I found it was relatively slow. A young mother was sitting with her baby and friend. While looking at the reservations for the next few days< she came up with the cutie pie. It seems he was magmatized by my good looks and wanted to say Hi. He was the flirtiest baby I ever saw. The female bartender got jealous because he was flirting with her earlier. Cutie Patootie had the nerve to wearing a shirt that said "Chick Magnet". By the end of his dinner , he had every female,even the two lesbians sitting in a corner, besotted. I guess men learn how to hustle , two time , and play at a young age.

Just random thoughts....

In The Words Of Miranda 'Get Over It, It's My Thing'

Tabloid board game
Originally uploaded by misocrazy.

I have a confession to make. I love gossip. Particularly the European or high society New York kind. I can equally get into the proletariat tabloids like The Star, US, and The Enquirer on occasion. But I get sick reading about the young, for the most part, talentless starlets boozing and starving themselves through life. How disappointed I was to see the next generations of Greek shipping magnates hook up with the Paris Hilton's of the world. Give me some minor European Royalty drama. Like all of Prince Albert's love children. Angelina adopts them and he makes them! All races and creeds. I love it. My all time favorite magazine has to be Hola. Ever since I was a child , I loved looking at those glamorous and heavily tanned Spaniards and German princelings gallivanting around Marbella , or some resort. And I loved the challenge of piecing together my limited Spanish with the photos. The other day Certain Someone caught me with a Soap Opera Magazine. Yes, I read those too. If I can't watch them , I like to read about it. Its not hard to follow the story lines, as they rarely ever change over the years. But , they are fascinating nevertheless. Auntie Mame says I should write a column. I'd love to be a Page Six reporter for the N Y Post. I read it online everyday. I find most hacks just take from them and rehash the stories over and over. One item that caught my eye last week in their column was the tacky St. Tropez wedding of Pam Anderson and Kid Rock. The bride wore a white bikini and sailor hat. The groom a linen pork pie hat and was holding a beer. All this aboard a $24 million yacht. They read vows from a blackberry. Lars Ulrich was the best man. At the end if the ceremony , Kid Rock said something like 'She's the best woman in the world... She f---- me and scratches my back." She was quoted as saying in her vows that 'She was going to ride him like a cowboy..." If that aint love , I don't know what is. You see that's why I love gossip, Its like trying to drive by a accident without looking.

All I Have To Say...

Eddie Gets a Massage
Originally uploaded by AndrewVDill.

Is that its been a long day and week. I need a massage bad!Hint, Hint, Nudge, Nudge...

We'll Always Have Chinatown

Chcago-07.02.2005_212405
Originally uploaded by Lordcolus.

I write this as I've been prematurely cut early from Job #2 tonight. Due to excessive heat for the past few days, nature is finally cleaning up her act , and its violently storming. I'm grateful for the rain. My neighborhood of Hyde Park/ Kenwood has been plagued with power outages fro the past few days, due to enormous amounts of energy being consumed. Com Ed cant keep up with the demands. While I read about it in the news, I really haven't been home much, so I've been lucky. However last night my luck ran out. I picked up Certain Someone from the airport , and we decided to dine in our favorite spot, China Town. Its becoming a ritual for us to try every restaurant we can. We never get tired of it. After a leisurely dinner and cocktails< we decided to go to my place that evening, as we were south. We made a quick stop to my local CoOp market , where he was amazed from the selection of obscure German beers. Thanks to the sophisticated and well travelled residents of Hyde Park, home of University of Chicago, one lacks for nothing in terems of food or drink. Ceratin Someone had to eat his negative perception of the South. When we got home , a hot oven of a condo awaited us. It took a while to get the AC going, as heat from the building rises. This is a blessing in Winter, but deadly in summer. We literally preferred to wait outside on my deck for a while before venturing in. Nevertheless we acheived a comfortable temp, and settled in for the night drinking great beers.Around 2:00 AM I stirred realizing it was too dark and quiet. The power was out! Nothing worse than being full of Chinese, Hot, and Tired. I opened all the windows waiting for any slight breeze. You could hear some voices seeking refuge outside, rather than stay in their 'ovens". Eventually it came back up around 4:30, but our good nights sleep was lost. I had to wake at 6:00 and proceed onto my supposed 14 hour day. Thankfully it was only 11.

Love in the Express Line

bride & groom donuts
Originally uploaded by Manassas Cakery.

This weekend I voluntarily played Haus Frau to help Certain Someone get his nomadic and chaotic life together. In between the napping, cleaning, and laundry, I made two trips to the neighborhood Dominicks for food and supplies. While begging the Customer Service man for a roll of quarters( needed to feed parking meter all day to keep parking expenses down, I noticed a bizarre sight. I saw two photographers taking photos of a radiant bride and groom ,all dressed up to go to wedding ,purchasing ready made deli trays,cake, beverages, etc. The groom had a big grin as he took a sip of his fountain drink Pepsi. I realized this was not a commercial shoot, or news photographers, but the actual wedding photographers recording the happy couples moments for posterity. 'Look kids this was Dad and I getting the cold cut tray before we got hitched in the park!" Well this low cost wedding will most likely last a life time, unlike the mega affairs produced lately. To the Happy Couple! What's up with me and the strange weekend weddings lately???

She Works Hard For Her Money, So You Better Treat Her Right

' was discovered in this tragic state at 4:56 PM today.
Originally uploaded by semarr.

Today was a something! I arrived at the office to find I had another cryptic message from some woman who wouldn't identify herself. She left a urgent anonymous message last week that I dismissed as a predatory lender, bill collector, or something when I called the number . I didn't' leave a message. Come to find out , after a hint, that it was Susie Q, an old colleague of mine. She works for a bank now, hence ,the suspicions. Her message greeting was all about re finacing your mortgage, getting out of debt, etc. Just the type to prey on little old me. It was good to hear from her. It' s been a while . In fact the "baby" is now 7. Further more the eldest, who I used to clip Spice Girl pics and articles from my Hola's and Hello's, just turned 18 and is entering college! Jeez , how old am I now??? Hopefully we all can catch up.
So I started my first day as waitress, after a hellacious day at Job #1. Actually the four hours spent being cute, cool, social, and efficient went by quickly. I sneaked a few Blackberry emails to Certain Someone to give updates. He's stuck in some glamorous beachfront resort down south, bored out of mind. I don't pity him. He'll be back tomorrow , and we'll have a fun , busy weekend as usual , before he takes off again somewhere. As I was driving home, some anarchist punk kid darted out in the road and yelled "F--You, Beamer driver! I don't drive a Beamer, but similar brand. If he only knew what I had to do, to keep up the image.